Racial Justice Interviews with Friends

Question #6.  What does it mean to you to be an ally? What are the barriers to people feeling included as allies--white, black, gay, heterosexual, cis, trans, rich, poor, or otherwise?

 Feelings & change-- Question #5. How have recent events affected your attitude towards systemic racism, as exhibited through police brutality, and your sense of identity in this setting? Describe any emotions that you feel as you reflect on them.

How the present compares to the past-- Question #4. Does this moment in time feel unique to you? What does or does not set recent events apart from others?

 Perceptions of the status quo-- Question #3. Many have been protesting racial injustice in the United States. How would you describe the problem with the status quo, as you see it? (This could be a whole book no doubt, but please share just a few sentences on what you see as the "big picture")

Getting to know our participants a little more-- Question #2. What is one of your deepest values? Why is this value important to you? ·      I value perseverance, understanding, and integrity. I value these because life is hard, people go through stuff so I find value when I hear people being vulnerable and sharing how they persevered through an obstacle in their life. It reminds us that we are human, it helps us to understand and learn from one another as people which in return makes us do right by one another even when no one is looking (integrity). ·      That all life is precious and human life is not only precious, but sacred. ·      I think it is important to not do harm. I think it is more important to keep imagining a better future for your self. I think it is crucial to question the norm (societal, political, belief systems, values etc.). Even if you think you may know the answer, or even if the answer (or answers) is simple, the jou...

 An introduction to WHO participated--- Question #1. Would you mind sharing your demographics and some context about you that informs your political identity and beliefs? (This might include anything from race/ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, to places you have lived, education, religion, profession, or personal experiences.) ·     I'm a 28-year-old black woman born and raised on the Northside of Columbus, OH, heterosexual, foundation is with Christian faith however moving into the direction of spiritualty instead of the idea of religion. I am a mother, the oldest of 7 siblings of a blended family. I am Ryan White Case Manager. I feel my experiences and my life have shaped me to be more liberal. I believe that no one should judge, there is ultimately one judge.... ·      I think context is hugely important, so I’ll be sharing a lot in this response: 37 year old; Christian; White; Gay male; Married to my husband for 8 years. I was ra...